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Sea-Tac Leafletting

As the longest government shutdown in history continues here’s an opportunity to get out and spread the word to the people as to why this is wholly unnecessary and detrimental to our profession and lives. From now through Sunday (9 am - 7 pm) we have spots reserved to pass out leaflets at Sea-Tac Airport on most of the SkyBridges. Please keep in mind that this is an effort to advocate for an end to the shutdown and not an effort to assign partisan blame. We need all the help we can get. If you are interested in joining in spreading the word, respond to this email, use the ZSE Local Slack (easiest way to organize), contact a member of your E Board, or call/text me at 206.406.0194. You will be assigned a slot to participate by one of us. Please coordinate with us as the Port of Seattle has strict rules on how many people can be in certain areas.

We must do everything in our power to bring an end to this senseless shutdown. The bigger the numbers, the harder it is to ignore us. Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope to see some of you there.

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Dave & Busters Solidarity Event

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You can register HERE. Please join us if you can. Our RVP Eddie DeLisle will be in attendance and this will be family friendly.

We will also be conducting a Local meeting in conjunction with this event where we can entertain local constitution changes. If you have a change that you want to submit, please do so by 1/19/19 as all submissions must be input NLT 30 days prior to a meeting with a minimum of 21 days posting time. The local constitution can be accessed HERE.

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Local Update

Here are the latest happenings:

  • The shutdown is now the longest in history. NATCA has filed a lawsuit alleging that the government unlawfully deprived NATCA members of their earned wages without due process. More on this as it develops.

  • The media and legislative blitz that NATCA and it’s members have been on nationally has been nothing short of amazing. Please continue to stay engaged and share as many stories of activism to end this shutdown and reach out to members on the Hill as often as possible.

  • Locally, we have been meeting with politicians, supporting protests and a leaf letting campaign will begin at Sea-Tac Airport on Tues and Thursday next week in an effort to raise awareness and end this unnecessary shutdown. I was able to talk with Senator Murray on Friday where I spoke of impacts both today and in the future as a result of this shutdown. She also used some hand-written letters that WA NATCA members wrote in a speech that you can see HERE. Additionally, Denise Spencer and I were able to participate in a Shutdown Roundtable with Congresswoman Kim Schrier this morning. She was very receptive and assured us that she is doing everything in her power to re-open the government. Last but not least, Congressman Rick Larsen hosted a meeting with multiple NATCA members this morning. You can see his post HERE. Please reach out to me (reply to this or call/text me at 206.406.0194) if you’re interested in helping out.

  • Finally, I would like to commend everyone for staying razor sharp throughout all of this. You have been amazing and it has not gone unnoticed. Eventually this shutdown will end but a lasting impression of NATCA and it’s members will be that we were unshakable and performed at the highest level when those on the Hill were gridlocked. As always, thank you for the opportunity to represent you and this local.

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Dina Earl from SkyOne Visit

Dina from SkyOne will be setting up in the cafeteria tomorrow around 10 am. Please take this time to talk with her about what SkyOne can provide for you during this Shutdown and any other services they offer. Thank you.

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A Note on Sick Leave

The following letter was sent to the RVPs and FacReps this morning,

Just learned that the DOT has directed the FAA that starting tomorrow, FAA is required to report absences due to sickness to DOT at core 30 towers, large TRACONs, and Enroute facilities by noon each day. It will include normal sick leave usage as a comparison.

I’ve offered to get our reps connected to the reporting process at the local level to provide some level of accuracy, but will keep you apprised.

Seems this is based on media reports of organized sick outs. I’m told it's not just FAA, likely TSA has been directed to do the same.

More as it develops.

Dean Iacopelli

What does this mean?

With the increased publicity of the shutdown and how it affects federal employees, it is imperative that ATC does not become associated with an en masse sick out or any kind of job action. Such action is a fireable offense. The above policy is a precursor for the DOT directing the Agency to start taking action on employees that are viewed as abusing sick leave or causing a job action. For the benefit of everyone when this shutdown ends, it is important that ATC is seen as stepping up to the plate and not falling down on the job. It will help everyone in the long run when Congress is determining if Furlough leave will be back paid. Articles like the ones about the TSA calling in sick are not helpful when it comes to public opinion of how we handled our duties during this Shutdown.

Please be mindful of expressing or sharing sentiments on social media that could be construed as a call for sick leave abuse. And please utilize unrecorded phone lines when calling work so it's one less thing they can use against us.

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With that in mind, it is perfectly fine to take leave but please, request and use leave in accordance with the contract.

Please know, that in DC, every effort is being made to communicate the hardships that you all face and bring this standoff to a swift conclusion. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to a member of your E-Board.

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